A trip to the Maldives combines tropical islands, clear waters, and a wide choice of places to stay.

After arriving at Velana International Airport near Malé, travelers continue to their destination by speedboat, domestic flight, or seaplane.

Choosing the right island and understanding the main travel costs can make planning much easier.

Choose Your Island Style

Local islands suit travelers who want independent accommodation, cafés, shops, beaches, and organized excursions. Guesthouses are often close to everyday services, making it convenient to arrange meals and activities separately.

Resort islands offer a more self-contained experience, with accommodation, dining, recreation, and guest services within one property. Room choices can include standard rooms, beachfront stays, and overwater villas.

Consider the island's location, accommodation style, included services, and transfer requirements before making a reservation.

How to Get There

Most international travelers arrive at Velana International Airport near Malé. The best onward connection depends on the location of the chosen island.

Nearby destinations can often be reached by speedboat. A shared transfer to Maafushi can cost around $25 per person each way, with a journey of approximately 30–35 minutes.

More distant destinations may require a domestic flight followed by a speedboat. Some resort islands can be reached by seaplane directly from the airport.

Check departure times, baggage allowances, transfer arrangements, and connection requirements before traveling.

Accommodation

Local-island guesthouses generally offer more accessible prices, with a useful planning range of $50–$150 per night. Rates vary according to the island, season, room category, and included services.

Resort accommodation can cost several hundred dollars per night, with premium room categories reaching substantially higher rates.

When comparing properties, check the complete price and confirm whether breakfast, taxes, service charges, and transfers are included.

Travel Taxes

Green Tax is $12 per person for each applicable 24-hour period at the standard rate. Qualifying hotels and tourist guesthouses with 50 or fewer registered rooms on inhabited islands use a reduced rate of $6 per person per applicable 24-hour period.

For two travelers staying five applicable days, Green Tax would total $120 at the standard rate or $60 at the reduced rate when the accommodation qualifies.

Tourism-sector GST is currently 17%, so check the booking details to see whether applicable taxes and service charges are already included.

Local Food

Local-island dining offers a practical range of choices for different travel plans. A simple café meal may cost around $5–$15 per person, while setting aside approximately $20–$35 per person per day provides a useful starting point for meals.

Local cuisine commonly features fish, rice, coconut, vegetables, flatbreads, fruit, and aromatic spices. Some accommodations include breakfast, which can reduce separate meal expenses.

Activities and Their Costs

The Maldives provides a variety of experiences centered around its islands and surrounding waters. Typical planning prices include:

- Snorkeling excursion: around $20–$50 per person

- Sandbank trip: around $30–$70 per person

- Diving trip: around $60–$120 per person

- Dolphin cruise: around $30–$60 per person

- Fishing excursion: around $30–$80 per person

- Private boat trip: around $100–$250 per boat

Prices vary by destination, duration, equipment, and group size. Check what each package includes before booking, particularly equipment and transportation.

Planning a Maldives getaway is simpler when the island, transfer, accommodation, meals, taxes, and activities are considered from the beginning. Local islands provide an independent travel experience, while resorts offer a convenient setting with many services together.

With the main arrangements confirmed in advance, travelers can build a clear itinerary and make the most of their time in the Maldives.